Photo by Derek Johnson. Woodinville’s Molly Stinson, seen here in action last month, will be playing goalie next year at the collegiate level.Woodinville senior goalkeeper Molly Stinson has verbally committed to sign a scholarship and play soccer next year for Seattle Pacific University.

"It’s a good soccer school, but it’s also a good fit for me," Stinson said. "I was looking all around, but in reality I wanted to stay close to home."

Currently serving as captain for Woodinville, Stinson has helped lead the Falcons to a 7-2-1 record. Woodinville coach Nathan Davis is effusive in his praise.

"She’s a tall girl, very quick," he said. "Good leadership skills ... The goalie sees the whole game, so it’s easy for her to dictate. And Molly’s not afraid to be very loud. She’ll yell at not only her defense but also at her midfield and forwards as well from what she sees and thinks should be happening."

Seattle Pacific head coach Chuck Sekyra made repeated trips last year to see Stinson play, before offering her a scholarship. Stinson indicated relief in having her college destination decided upon so she can focus on her final year of high school.

"As soon as I got the offer I was really excited at first — and I’m still so excited knowing where I am going to play," she said with a beaming smile. "It’s in the back of my mind, everyone is wondering where they’re going to school, but I already know."

She also likes the smaller nature of SPU’s campus.

"It’s a smaller school, so it’s more one-on-one attention, in terms of the classroom," she said. "As well as on the field. The coach traditionally has a smaller sized roster in comparison to many of the other teams. Since it’s a D-2 school, it’s not just all soccer. It’s focused on school and soccer. And that’s what I’m looking for.

"It’s awesome," she reiterated, while smiling almost uncontrollably. "I have been going to their practices and getting a feel for the program. I love going down there and hanging out."